The Editors of LIFE LIFE First Ladies

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Americans have always been fascinated with the women who have held the title First Lady. But just who were these people, behind their official portraits? Did you know that one won an Emmy and another held regular radio addresses? LIFE takes a close look at all of these women and their legacy in a volume that's guaranteed to delight and surprise. Highlights include:Firsts, such as the first First Lady to wear pants publicly and the first to drive a carHow Dolley Madison set the stageUnanswered questions: Did one First Lady poison her husband? Did another serve as unofficial commander in chief?Presidential spouses around the world and how their roles differ from the U.S. First LadyEleanor Roosevelt's achievements are well-known, but others quietly accomplished great things in politics